When the St. Xavier University women’s basketball team achieved the No. 1 ranking in the NAIA poll the week of Dec. 7, it marked a milestone for Coach Bob Hallberg that is believed to be unprecedented.

Hallberg, a 1962 Leo graduate and former Lions basketball standout, may well be the first college coach to lead men’s and women’s teams to No. 1 national rankings. The Chicago State men’s team Hallberg coached also claimed the top spot in the NAIA poll during the 1982-83 season.

“This is an accomplishment I am truly proud of,” Hallberg said, “and the fact that I was able to achieve it my home town in front of friends and family makes it even more special.”

Hallberg’s 40-year coaching resume also includes stops with the UIC and SXU men’s teams. He’s in his 16th season coaching the SXU women. The Shannon Center court bears his name, one of numerous accolades he has collected in a long, distinguished career.

Congratulations from your Leo Family, Coach!